Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Arkansas

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith delivers the lowest net price at $10,097 while maintaining solid graduate earnings of $61,218, creating an unusual value proposition in Arkansas computer science education. The state's 10 programs span a wide earnings range from $52,107 to $69,079, with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville commanding the highest graduate salaries. Arkansas students benefit from proximity to major tech employers like Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, which has transformed the region into a logistics and retail technology center. Public institutions dominate the market with net prices under $18,000, making computer science education accessible across the state.

Programs

$10,097 – $20,579

Net Price Range

$56,559

Avg. Program Earnings

50.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, Arkansas	$10,097	$61,218	$6,906	37.0%
2	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$52,107	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
3	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$52,107	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
4	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$69,079	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
5	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$52,107	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
6	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$52,733	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
7	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136		$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
8	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679		$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
9	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929		$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
10	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944		$9,820	46.5%	63.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $7,000 earnings gap between Arkansas computer science programs?

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville leads with $69,079 in graduate earnings, while several programs cluster around $52,107. This reflects differences in program reputation, alumni networks, and proximity to major employers like Walmart's tech operations in northwest Arkansas.

How does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith achieve both low cost and strong earnings?

Fort Smith combines the lowest net price at $10,097 with above-average earnings of $61,218, creating strong value. The program benefits from regional tech job growth while maintaining low operational costs in a smaller metropolitan area.

Does Harding University justify its $20,579 private school premium?

Harding's net price reaches $20,579, double most public options, but delivers a 70.9% graduation rate and $52,733 in earnings. The private institution offers smaller class sizes and personalized attention, though the financial return doesn't significantly exceed public alternatives.

Where do Arkansas computer science graduates find the best job markets?

Northwest Arkansas offers the strongest opportunities with Walmart's global technology center and growing startup ecosystem. Little Rock provides additional opportunities in healthcare technology and state government, while graduates often pursue remote positions with major tech companies nationwide.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.